JOB SUMMARY:

In accordance with the Mission, Vision and Values, and strategic directions of Provincial Health Services Authority patient safety is a priority and a responsibility shared by everyone at PHSA, and as such, the requirement to continuously improve quality and safety is inherent in all aspects of this position. The Health Care Worker works under the functional direction of a Registered Nurse, Registered Psychiatric Nurse or other designate and in cooperation with interdisciplinary team members to assist in the delivery of patient care for an assigned inpatient area of the Forensic Psychiatric Hospital which provides services to persons found Not Criminally Responsible on Account of Mental Disorder, or Unfit to Stand Trial. Maintains a clean and safe environment for patients and staff. Following established care plans provides personal care; assists with meals and oral hygiene, and performs nursing care duties as applicable. Observes and monitors patients’ progress and behavioural changes and reports significant observations. Responds to call bells/alarms. Utilizes mechanical aides such as specialty beds, wheelchairs and stretchers to transport patients and provides assistance with lifting and/or transferring of patients following established lifting/safety techniques. Performs other related duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Education, Training and Experience

• Grade 10. Graduation from a recognized Nursing Assistant or Care Attendant program, or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience.

Skills and Abilities

• Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to deal with others effectively.
• Physical ability to carry out the duties of the position.
• Ability to organize work.
• Ability to operate related equipment.

1. Establishes and maintains therapeutic relationships with patients/families and provides support following established care plans; greets patients/families, assists with storage of personal belongings and creation of a safe/comfortable environment, including fostering a culture of patient and staff safety. The health care worker maintains confidentiality and respect for the patient’s rights and privacy.
2. Provides personal care to patients such as bathes, showers, grooms, dresses, assists with oral hygiene and toileting needs, maintains skin by applying creams and ointments as applicable, serving meals and assisting with feeding patients as required; ensures dietary needs are met.
3. Performs nursing care functions as applicable such as ensuring they know the Kardex, risk triggers and signature behaviors, nursing care plans of any and all patients they are assigned to and the unit milieu. Communicates reports and records in the patient chart, any patient behaviors’ of concern including patient verbal or physical aggression, or violence to the nurse.
4. Responds to call bells/alarms by alerting the appropriate health care team member and/or assisting as necessary. Responds to emergent situations by calling appropriate code and assisting care team in accordance with unit/program guidelines.
5. Observes and monitors patient progress and behavioral changes and reports significant observations such as discomfort and/or pain, or condition/ complaints and/or accidents, which the patient reports and feedback from the patient into the care planning progress to the Registered Nurse or designate; as applicable.
6. Utilizes mechanical aides such as specialty beds, lifts, slide boards, mobilizes wheelchairs and stretchers to transport patients; provides assistance with positioning, lifting and/or transferring patients utilizing established lifting/safety techniques, and accompanies patients to provide assistance as required.
7. Maintains a clean, safe and healthy environment for patients and staff; makes beds, applies side-rail requirements, collects patient urine samples, handles workplace hazardous materials according to procedures, and reports all incidents, equipment problems and potential safety issues to others.
8. Maintains supplies in utility areas, supply cupboards, patient washrooms, bedside tables and storage areas; checks supply sheets to identify items and quantities required; notifies the Unit Clerk of depleting stock and replenishes accordingly; and tidies supply cupboards, shelves and other areas as required.
9. Prepares room for discharge cleaning or next patient, and/or assists in room setup; removes bed linen and forwards to laundry, obtains strong sheets for seclusion rooms, empties and cleans items such as fridge/s and removes extra supplies in accordance with established procedures. Assists patients with their clothing needs from unit stores as required.
10. Participates in team discussions and/or related training sessions including annual core training competencies; attends meetings to provide/receive information, provides input regarding improvements to patient care and the efficient and safe operation of the area. Attends safety huddles, patient community meetings and assists as directed.
11. Transports items such as drugs, supplies, and specimens as applicable to specified areas as required by moving items according to established department schedules.
12. Performs related clerical duties such as answering telephones, providing general information and filing material as required.
13. Sets measurable goals and objectives in collaboration with supervisor and/or team; develops and executes personal development plans.
14. Fosters a culture of patient and staff safety by completing routine security checks, searching of patients, escorting of patients to and from programs, Review Boards and throughout all levels of security within the facility, including Gym, Rehab, Physiotherapy, Fir Hall, OT, and on supervised grounds as per policy, and task specific safe work practices throughout each unit, including program areas and grounds of the Forensic Psychiatric Hospital site.
15. Provides physical, emotional and psychological nursing care to patients in seclusion including food, water, drinks, hygiene care, employing active listening skills and empathy as a member of the team of staff caring for any patient in seclusion.
16. Performs other related duties as assigned.